Top Five Fits for Yoenis Cespedes

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - October 5: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets during the San Francisco Giants Vs New York Mets National League Wild Card game at Citi Field on October 5, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Top Five Fits for Yoenis Cespedes

5. New York Yankees

While the Yankees are in rebuild mode, they may look to bring in a big name this offseason. They would, however, have to deal away either Brett Gardner orJacoby Ellsbury. Gardner would likely be the more attractive trade chip. If they deal Gardner, it could open the door for a run at Cespedes.

The Yankees need a power bat who can hit for average, and Cespedes is that kind of guy. If he did go to the Yankees, he would be able to stay in the New York area, something which could be appealing to him. At the end of the day, it’s the Yankees, and they’ll always be looking to spend big bucks on top level talent. However, unlike other teams, the Yankees pursuit of him depends on a trade.

4. Washington Nationals

The Nationals have been in and out of the playoffs for the past five years, but they’re always looking to make a move in the offseason. Whether it’s trading for Doug Fister, signing Max Scherzer, or even signing Daniel Murphy, the Nationals stay active. In fact, last offseason the Nationals were considered the biggest threat to steal Cespedes from the Mets, as they put together a tempting five-year deal. Will the Nationals be willing to offer the same deal this winter?

With Trea Turnerlikely moving back to his natural position at shortstop, the Nationals need a third outfielder. Cespedes could be that guy, but will they want him in center field? While Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth will likely stay in their corner outfield niches, Cespedes is a below average fielder. His poor defense may make the Nationals think twice about giving him a long-term chance to play center field.

3. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles currently have two key players on the free agent market: Matt Wieters and Mark Trumbo. Both were key contributors for the Orioles last season, but may opt to leave in free agency. Good catchers like Wieters don’t normally hit the free agent market, so he is bound to be overpaid. Trumbo had a career year at the plate, hitting 47 home runs. He will be looking to cash in this winter, but the Orioles may be reluctant to pay up. They may, however be willing to give Cespedes a big deal. They have pursued him in the past, and they’ll need another big bat in their lineup to keep pace with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and even the Yankees in the AL East.

2. San Francisco Giants

Last season, the Giants left their fans heartbroken in the NLDS when they blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning of Game 4. As a result, the team will look to add a stellar reliever or two, but they could also look at signing Cespedes. The Giants have a mediocre lineup, and Cespedes could give them a spark in the middle of their order. If the Giants can land Cespedes and get relief help, they would be a real threat to the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

1. Texas Rangers

After winning the AL West but getting swept in the ALDS, the Rangers are left scratching their heads; however, they can’t sit around and feel sorry for themselves. This offseason, outfielders Carlos Gomez, Ian Desmond, and Carlos Beltranare all hitting the free agent market and may very well leave the lone star state. As a result, the Rangers may be left deprived of outfield depth. Cespedes could be part of the solution. The Rangers also need to keep pace with a strong American League, including teams within their own division. The AL is becoming more competitive by the day.

Robbie Stratakos writes about the NBA and MLB for Last Word On Sports; he is the New York Knicks and Washington Nationals team manager there. He also writes about the NBA and MLB at those sites. In addition to LWOS, Stratakos also covers the New York Knicks and New York sports at Elite Sports NY.